This article is by Basileus Zeno, a Syrian asylum seeker and the Karl Loewenstein Fellow and Visiting Lecturer in Political Science at Amherst College.
In 2011, when the Arab Spring swept across the Middle East, my wife, Katty, and I didn’t hesitate to heed the call for freedom and dignity in Syria. We protested, published essays, documented human rights violations and participated in leadership meetings with other political activists. Looking back, we were lucky: We landed in the United States in mid-2012, just before the Syrian government launched a vicious crackdown that left most of our closest friends either in prison or fleeing for their lives. Devastated, and realizing we could not safely return to Damascus, I applied for asylum.
Then, for eight years, I waited.
Katty and I completed our master’s degrees, then our PhDs, all while continuing to advocate for a peaceful transition to democracy in Syria. I worked on governance projects at the Carter Center, the U.S. Institute of Peace and the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and, when thugs began pillaging antiquities, I proudly lent my academic expertise in Syrian archaeology to global efforts to track their trade.
I despaired as President Donald Trump ascended to power by demonizing immigrants, but found inspiration in those who blocked his most openly prejudiced plans — including then-Sen. Kamala D. Harris, who stood up to his Muslim ban by personally championing the cause of my brother Nael. Thanks in no small part to her advocacy, Nael became one of the first Syrians to enter the country as the first ban was defeated.
When President Biden took office this year with Harris by his side, we had renewed hope that an end to our waiting was finally in sight. Ours was a textbook asylum case, we were assured, sure to sail through approval once sanity returned to the federal government. That hope, it turned out, was misplaced. On May 10, the United States rejected my application for asylum, putting me and Katty at risk of deportation, and throwing into uncertainty the future of our infant daughter, a U.S. citizen with no legal standing in Syria.
The rejection notice was Kafkaesque, riddled with contradictions and outright falsehoods. The asylum officer ignored substantive evidence and claimed that we would face no danger if we were to return to Damascus — a mind-boggling assertion, directly at odds with the U.S. government’s own recognition of Syria’s patterns of persecution in the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. Most absurdly, the officer maintained that because Syria’s intelligence agents had not directly conveyed a threat to me while I was in the United States, there was insufficient evidence they might cause me harm. To state the obvious: Syria’s notorious secret police does not regularly send activists written notice of plans to disappear them into secret prisons.
The Biden administration has taken some steps to reverse Trump-era policies so far, such as raising the refugee cap and extending asylum protections to people facing domestic abuse or gang violence. But if a straightforward case like mine is still slipping through the cracks, it is clear those changes have only scratched the surface.
Although the lack of transparency in the asylum system makes its problems difficult to diagnose, a few glaring ones merit prompt correction. To start, the Biden administration should take steps to reduce the vast discrepancies in outcomes between adjudicators. The approval rate for affirmative asylum cases at the Boston Asylum Office, where my case was reviewed, dropped from 40 percent in late 2016 to below 8 percent at the end of 2019, even as the national average remained around 30 percent, according to data cited in a recent ACLU lawsuit. Most of these cases were later approved by a court, showing they had merit and had been denied unlawfully by an office that seemingly embraced the Trump agenda more than others.
Toward that aim, officials should increase accountability and access to recourse within the system. Under the current structure, asylum officers are miniature authoritarians, wielding unchecked power over the cases they decide. In my case, that power enabled the officer to brush aside my attorney’s legal rebuttal as well as the expertise of leading Syria scholars Steven Heydemann and Lisa Wedeen, who wrote in to refute demonstrably false information cited to justify my denial. Applicants should have recourse to challenge such inaccuracies, preferably in court or at a minimum through an internal mechanism like the one used in the United Kingdom. Finally, individual officers’ rejection rates should be subject to public scrutiny, so patterns of discriminatory rulings can be identified and stamped out.
I recognize that any such changes might come too late for Katty and me; under the rules of affirmative asylum as they stand today, we cannot appeal the decision. However, we are hopeful that sharing our story may inspire policymakers to address the failings of the U.S. immigration system, which is unfair, lacking in due process and driven by political priorities — and not fairness and logic and the law. People seeking refuge in this country deserve better.
This article was originally published in the Washington Post. It is posted here with permission of the author. You can learn more about Professor Zeno and see an interview with him here.
Dear Jason
As an asylee, if I adjust my status through mariage, will I still be considered an asylee to DHS? I know the question is tricky but I want to know what will be my legal status if I am an asylee who becomes LPR through marriage and not through asylum
Thank you
You will be a lawful permanent resident. However, if you had asylum, you should still qualify for a Refugee Travel Document. Also, if you return to your home country, it could still have implications for your status if it causes the US government to believe that your original asylum case was false. Take care, Jason
¡¡ATTENTION ASYLEES!! Please read : we are in a very pivotal moment in history . Do you want to continue to be treated like stray dogs ? Do you like waiting 5+ plus years to be finally processed ? Do you like the everyday uncertainty of NOT knowing when ? That’s what I thought . If you are a human being who is able to read , write , and think for themselves . Then go ahead NOW and expose the intentional abuse that the USCIS is inflicting upon the most vulnerable !DO NOT WAIT to file the ombudsman request and expose the lies, to your senators , to your representatives. And SIGN the petition going around .This agency from hell has GONE TOO FAR . Too
Much pain and abuse …. Guess what! the numbers DO NOT lie , They are holding hostage #A05GCapplications at : NBC/MSC . TSC . And even LIN/NSC. you know what I mean . We have gathered data that PROVES that these depraved and degenerate individuals overseeing the adjudication process are deliberately creating “LIMBOS” . Paving the path for our collective lawsuit . Additionally , dear Ur Jaddou New director is busy on Twitter making statements on great customer service and useless advocations . WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER ? Does she NOT live in reality ? Must be that new salary . How fitting , or should I say , how PATHETIC and HYPOCRITICAL. Why don’t you go and flood their Twitter with the reality of what is GOING ON . Do NOT keep your mouth shut . … more to come …
#A05GCBacklog #StopHoldingHostageA05GCApplications
WRITE TO THE PRESIDENT TODAY >>>>>>>>
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Hey Carla . Thank u 4 your amazing fight and ongoing efforts . USCIS is indeed an agency from hell and they need to be dismantled and shown for their dirty practices . . I signed the petition and I got tired of staying quiet waiting for a miracle that never come
Hi Jason, hope all is well; always appreciate for your help; I had my interview on 03/2018, and my online case status was: “Your decision is pending” for 3 years & 6 months; However last week the online status changed to “Your application is still pending.” Is that means my case is moving forward ? (I received my FOIA documents last months which show my officer granted my asylum 10 days after my interview but I believe it’s still there for background check)
I tend not to put much stock in the online notices, and I do not know the difference between the old message and and the new message. Maybe reach out to the asylum office again about the case – if there is a change, maybe they will tell you something. Take care, Jason
Jason, how are you? You might have had this question before. I am someone with a pending asylum interview who prior had overstayed her visa many years. If I apply for the DV lottery and win, can I adjust my status here? I have read that the USCIS normally requires to return to the country of origin to have the application process for the DV lottery processed; but, given my circumstances, returning back will be dangerous. Hence, the question. If I win it, is there any legal avenue that would enable me to adjust my status here? Thank you. M
It is very unlikely, since you probably have a 10 year bar to returning if you leave – anyone who overstays their status for 1+ years is barred from returning for 10 years if they leave. If you did not overstay, or if you filed for asylum before your status expired (or soon thereafter), it might be easier to return, but certainly, you will have to figure out whether you can process the case in a third country. Also, there are some exceptions that might allow you to get your GC in the US, but they are very rare (the one I am thinking of – called INA 245(i) – requires that you were in the US prior to December 20, 2000, among other things. In short, it very likely will not work. That said, there is no harm in applying for the DV lottery. It is free. If you win, talk to a lawyer about whether you might be able to get the GC. Just be very careful, and make sure the lawyer describes exactly how you will get the GC, and have the lawyer do that in writing. That is one way to (try) to protect yourself. Take care, Jason
That’s concerning…
Dear Jason,
I am finishing up my bachelor’s degree, and I got offers from multiple famous companies to join them. However, they are all required to comply with US export controls, meaning I need a GC/Citizenship/Granted Asylum to comply. It causes severe harm to my finances, as the number of companies I can apply for is severely limited, and their pay is much lower. Is it possible to expedite my asylum using those offer letters?
Hi- I am not Jason. Please look out for Jason’s response.
In the meantime, though, here is my unsolicited response (and probably unpopular opinion): I don’t believe your reason for wanting to expedite your case is strong (valid, perhaps). Why? Because all you need is a valid EAD- employment authorization- to get a job. As such, a bachelors degree, and all the opportunities it affords, in my opinion, is irrelevant. While it would be nice of them to expedite your case, over everyone else, so you can get your dream job, the U.S. government is not obligated to ensure that you get jobs that you are qualified for. In fact, they don’t even have to give you an EAD if you are not an asylee/refugee/have some other status that makes you eligible to work in the U.S. In any event, don’t let me dissuade you from attempting to expedite. USCIS’s ways of doing things are very unpredictable. You may just be lucky to get your case expedited or you may get called for an interview. Who knows?
Dear @Asyleer do not listen to this insufferable @jamie . Anything that comes from his mouth is crap disguised in a failed attempt to sound smart . My suggestion is push and push and demand your EAD based on your justified reasons . Do not wait !! and contact them via chat and ask them to place expedite request for you . You have valid reasons . and also your senator can help . Good luck !
@LAPOCHKA, I read all comment on this forum and I mostly agree with what you saying. But in this case, looks like you are completely misinterpreting problem and just giving a blind advise. I agree with @JAMIE that of course @ASYLEER can try to expedite his case, but it most likely will be denied. Reason of not getting higher paying job is just simply not enough. You can get pretty good job with simply having EAD (over 200k is realistic). I definitely understand that there is an issue with renewing EAD, but it’s not was was asked in @ASYLEER’s comment.
LAPOCHKA, honestly, when I read your response, I laughed almost uncontrollably. Did you expect me to be in a fit of pique over your response? To me, you seem to be impudent, dull-witted, uncultured, angry, and a sad excuse of a person. In fact, from your comments, one can reasonably infer that you have no redeeming qualities. You need to seek help ASAP! I almost feel sorry for you.
Yes I know I own to my mistake . As I was driving I read on the surface his comment and didn’t analyze . I admit it i should have paid more attention. But YOU to me , you’re still a basement rat . Maybe 50 and still living with your mom ? I focused on your reply and I immediately thought what a moron . No offense 😉
LAPOCHKA, 32 y.o. and fab! LOL haha
Not to be sadistic , but this personal exchanges are sometimes good entertainment, especially when they come with grammar that gets me looking for a dictionary.
Nobody should attack me for this, please🙏
Jamie I am not a mean person or anything but anything your write something you do come off as an ass&$)-(-hole . Keep your mouth shut buddy , ur not that brilliant . By the time u file your N400 maybe they’ll realize that .
Is this “Asylum seeker” aka troll?
The above is not your communication style- calling names, or is this a different asylum seeker?
Tina please go and and carve a pumpkin . Merci Beaucoup
Hi Tina 🙂
Are you referencing me as a troll ?
“Asylum Seeker” (AKA King Troll), if anyone on this blog should shut their mouth is you. Everything that comes out of your mouth is diarrhea- period. You are basically a waste of space (at least in my eyes). You add nothing of value to society. Furthermore, your comments and questions make absolutely no sense! I honestly feel so bad/guilty when I have to respond to some of you; some of you really deserve it, though! What makes you think you should come for me this evening?! Please tighten those loose screws, hon!
It’s a different asylum seeker…
Maybe – one of the basis to expedite is financial ham. I wrote something about that in a post in January 2020. Also, on March 30, 2017. Unfortunately, the expedite process is not predictable, but certainly you can try. Take care, Jason
Jason, thank you for your response! I agree that a valid reason to expedite is financial harm. However- and with all due respect- in this case, I don’t see financial harm- especially if the person has a valid EAD. If the person has a pending EAD application, and there is evidence that the person could lose his/her job because of the delays in processing the EAD application, or the applicant could become homeless or forced to contend with hunger, then the applicant would be able to provide evidence showing compelling factors. In this case, and from the information provided, the applicant wants to be able to pick, choose and refuse jobs based on a degree s/he has recently earned/received.
If I have two job offers, one for $100K and one for $40K, and my status causes me to lose the better offer, that is financial harm. Whether this is a compelling reason compared to other issues (health problems, family separation) is a separate question, but to me, there is no doubt that it is financial harm, which is one of the listed bases for expediting. I would note that just because you have a reason to expedite does not mean USCIS will actually expedite. In fact, usually, they will not, especially these days where things seem to be worse than I have ever seen them in terms of the functioning of the bureaucracy. Take care, Jason
Jason, thank you for the explanation. I agree that, in general, your scenario could constitute financial harm. However, USCIS does not consider that to be financial harm or a situation so severe/compelling it warrants expedited treatment.
@Jamie,
” USCIS does not consider that to be financial harm or a situation so severe/compelling it warrants expedited treatment.”
Out of curiosity, how do you know how USCIS considers requests?
It appears you are conversant with US immigration law(as you very easily quote here) so would you be able to support your assertion, that way we can learn?
Tina, thanks for your question. I
Tina, thank you for your question. I have to correction one assumption before I respond, though- I am definitely not conversant on U.S. immigration laws. While I wouldn’t consider my knowledge of U.S. asylum laws to be a fair bit, however, I do have an OK understanding of U.S. asylum and refugee laws. I attribute that to working with a famous non-profit organization that caters almost exclusively to asylum seekers, my ability to digest wonky details and large amounts of confusing legalese concerning asylum laws and procedures. I have also witnessed, and assisted with, many cases asking USCIS to expedite the cases for a variety of reasons. Quite strangely enough, even cases that involve death/terminal illnesses are sometimes rejected as not compelling enough for USCIS to put you at the front of the line.
For this particular case, though, the information about expedite requests, which is not immigration law, by the way, is on the USCIS website. According to USCIS, USCIS may consider an expedite request if it meets one or more of the following criteria or circumstance:
1. Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to file timely or respond to request for evidence
2. Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons
3.Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States
4.U.S. government interests (such as urgent cases for federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor, DHS, or other public safety or national security interests)
5. Clear USCIS error
USCIS also makes sure to point out that: “Not every circumstance that fits under one of the above listed categories necessarily results in expedited processing. For example, if the expedite request relates to an application for employment authorization or student status, the need to obtain employment authorization or student status, standing alone, without any evidence of other compelling factors does, not warrant expedited treatment”.
It also says: “All expedite requests claiming severe financial loss, regardless of the immigration benefit sought and regardless of whether the claimed loss is to a company or a person, must be documented to establish the loss and that the requestor is not able to withstand the temporary financial loss that is the natural result of normal processing times. To put it another way/differently, just because you can’t get a job, or your pay is not enough, for example, doesn’t mean your claim warrants expedited treatment, especially if USCIS can prove that the “financial loss” can be mitigated otherwise/during the pendency of your application. Thus, if you can get another job using your EAD, which does not put any restriction on what jobs you can do, then you would not have convinced USCIS that your request is worthy of expedited treatment. The compelling argument is simply not there. How would you be different from a citizen or permanent resident who is authorized to work in the U.S. but just doesn’t have the requisite qualifications that a particular company is asking for?
That is not to say you shouldn’t submit the request. USCIS does approve “weak requests” from time to time.
“I have to correct…”
Hello Jason,
We are 3 members of family going to apply for asylum based citizenship I have 9 year old son can he apply with my wife and me? He meets all the criteria
Someone told me he need to wait until I get my citizenship or he turns 18
If the child has a GC and you become a citizen, the child will automatically become a citizen as well. You would normally file a form N-600 to get the certificate showing he is a citizen, but maybe you could also file for the passport directly (which is a lot less expensive). The N-600 is not an application for citizenship. If you (his parent) are a citizen and he has a GC, and you live together, he is automatically a citizen. The N-600 is just proof of that. A person cannot independently file for US citizen until he is 18 years old. Take care, Jason
¡¡ ATTENTION ASYLEES!! Please read : It is another day , ANOTHER day that the incompetent , malicious and evil agency USCIS continues to hold #A05GCApplications hostage , they are NOT adjudicating asylum based green card applications .Many are still in “limbo” since many years ! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH , this has gone TOO FAR . They need to be exposed NOW ! Their evil and corrupt practices have destroyed lives . You CANNOT stay silent . If you signed the petition, please share it everybody and expose the abuse with your senators and representatives . Moreover , we NEED to let the PRESIDENT know what this evil institution is doing , so START TODAY and write to President Biden and expose the lies and mistreatment . You should NOT have to wait over 1 year for a case to be decided , let alone multiple years. MAKE IT STOP now !
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
You can write or call , SPEAK UP today and LET IT BE KNOWN . Pull the curtain on the reality of what USCIS is : Corruption , lies , abuse , mistreatment and marginalization of the most vulnerable .
Hi, Jason and everyone here,
Thank you for keeping this blog alive and sharing information. My EAD will expire in April 2022, I’ve read other people’s stories about their waiting times for an ead renewal so I’m already having anxiety attacks. If you recently (after covid) renewed ead, please share your story, how long did it take to get approval and receive actual card? I’vr read stories about people waiting for 8+ months and I’m feel really depressed.
I would not worry too much about this. You can file to renew 180 days before the old card expires, and once you get the receipt, you old EAD is automatically extended for 180 days. This means that you are eligible to work and have a driver’s license for a full year after you file to renew the EAD, and this should be plenty of time to get the new card. I guess if it takes more than 6 months to renew, you may be inconvenienced by having to use the receipt instead of the actual card, but this should not be much more than a minor annoyance – it should not stop you from legally working or driving. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason thank you so much for your help! Do we have to pay for biometric fees for renewal? Can we file the documents online? Or it’s better to mail everything out?
Thank you again for your help! I really appreciate everything you do!
For an EAD based on asylum pending? I think you do not need to pay the biometric fee if you are a member of ASAP or Casa de Maryland. I did a post in September 2020 about this with links to those organizations. I always file by mail, as I am old school, but some forms are available to file online. Take care, Jason
Thank you, Jason. I really to try to stay positive, but it gets harder every day. My problem is that my national passport has expired(from home country) and dmv doesn’t extend license accroding to that extention letter, so if my ead expires, I literally will have no valid id at all. I just wish USCIS would understand this
Hi Irina,
I would say – you can still try to get a DL extended once you receive a receipt letter from USCIS.
I was in exactly same situation as you (with expired passport of my citizenship country), and I was waiting for my EAD extension for about 9 months (while my dL was about to expire too). I did go to DMV, and applied for new driver license. A few years ago, with similar situation, they didn’t extend my DL until I received actual EAD card, but this time I was lucky and I got extension for 5(!) years more, even before my new EAD was officially approved (and as you know it’s only valid for 2 years).
So I would imagine it all depends on the officer who works on your DL case.
So I would suggest once you receive the receipt notice letter, and when your DL is about to expire, just try and go to DMV, hopefully you will be just as lucky as I was 🙂
But I’m with you, this whole experience is very stressful, and only thing we can do is be patient and hope for the best
Good luck
Naya
You might try calling to expedite the case – maybe that would help, especially if you can argue that loss of the license is an emergency. I did a post about expediting with USCIS in January 2020. Also, for the DMV, I do not know the policies, but it sounds wrong to me (some asylum seekers have EADs and no passports), and so maybe if all else fails, you can try to get a supervisor at the DMV to help you. I am sure that is much easier said than done. Good luck, Jason
File for a new EAD right 180 days before its expiration date. It takes them almost 1 month to redirect your application to the one of the processing centers. You would never know ahead which one. Yesterday USCIS representative told us over the phone that they have legal right to review your application for 9 months (I don’t know if it’s true). Good luck
Disgusting animals …
You Dana, I do not believe everyone in USCIS is deliberately sitting on applications, but some would rather sit on them, and that is part of why we are in these endless black holes called backlogs.
That said, trade places with the ones that happen to be doing the best they can. If you stumble upon this site, and read that you are being called ‘disgusting animal’, how would that affect you as a person?
We can request a timely adjudication of petition in a civil manner, but how is addressing people as disgusting animals addressing any issue?
@Tina just stop … full stop dear . With all due respect user @dana is entitled to express however she feels and she is more than justified . Don’t make me open my mouth more and come across as mean ; but I have a known person who recently killed themselves because of this USCIS nightmare , lost his livelihood and his mind.. they really are costing lives . So just stop and spare me your fake decency .
@Lapochka- You are entitled to your opinion.
If I need something from anyone, no matter how much of an a**h**e I believe he/she is, I will speak to his/her conscience in a civil manner, or pursue my request legally if I have a right to do so.THAT is my point!
If you support being disrespectful of the entire USCIS, enjoy!
My own life has no meaning whatsoever, and i
guess I do not have the guts to go for permamenet peace just yet. You have no idea what battles individuals face besides the USCIS backlog.
This is a public forum, and coming here to insult a group of people will yield no result.
Perhaps, I lack the guts to insult USCIS, because I am an alien, so I plead to their consciences instead.
Trust me, I choose my use of offensive language wisely, and it is always to whom( singular) it may concern, directly, not a general statement to a mix of the good, better, best, bad, worse and worst, if it makes any sense to you.
Also, be careful how you open your mouth to be mean to me, because you may catch me at a bad time.
Hi Tina,
I stumbled across this conversation and thought I’d be nice to share my point of view.
I’m not saying @Dana is right to use harsh words to describe the whole of USCIS but her frustration is certainly justified. I also want to add that if you are a USCIS adjudicator doing his/her best and comes across a thread where you are called names, you are just starting to scratch the surface of the magnitude of the actions of the agency. You should not take personal offense with people expression discontent online. At the end of the day, those are words, your actions, on the other hand, can affect lives for the best or the worst. I do believe the moral of the agency has been affected at some point with all the budget crises, furlough menace, and other stress related to the pandemic. I think management really dropped the balls on this; wether intentionally or not. If you pretend to be one of those adjudicators that actually care, then be proactive instead of reading comments online. People are actually losing their jobs, minds, and families because of USCIS.
Believe me, if another firm was acting like USCIS in this country, it would have been closed a long time ago.
Take care,
@Cordy,
Thanks for your response. Well said and respectfully said as always.
We seem to agree on one thing. USCIS MO is hurting lives, but you seem to also agree that not all of them are doing that on purpose.
We have all read about USCIS officers who spoke up against the agency or resigned.
Words such as incompetence appear every once in a while here, and I have no problem with addressing the actions of USCIS.
I just don’t know how we are better people or achieving any results by calling all the employees disgusting animals.
Truth is, we do not know who is reading this, what impression that creates of the asylum/asylee community, and who or how Dana’s comments may affect anyone of us.
Everyone has a conscience, and if the same conscience is constantly spoken to, that may yield a better result than aggression in a very derogatory manner.
I am probably trading places with USCIS employees, because if I am trying to move things along, and feel I am being painted with the same tattered brush as the ‘mean’ ones’, I will be very unhappy.
Take care.
I happen to agree with you that there are more and less effective ways to say things, and using pejoratives is usually less effective. That said, I do understand the frustration and have used my share of curse words to describe what I see happening to my clients. I also tend to think that most USCIS employees are actually trying to do their jobs, and certainly that is my experience interacting with such people (usually – not always). The bigger problem is that the Trump Administration did great damage to the agency and the process, and the Biden Administration has not yet done enough to correct things. Take care, Jason
That was supposed to be permanent
OMG, this is so frustrating 🙁 if you don’t mind telling, did you also fill for ead renewal asylum pending? and how long have you been waiting for a new card.
It is very frustrating indeed!
I’ve been waiting for my asylum interview since late 2014 in FL and it’s nowhere in sight. I don’t have a valid reasons to expedite
Now extension to my EAD will expire in November and I have a receipt from early February. Called USCIS few times, waited over 45 mins each time and got same answer. “We’re working on it. Processing time is 9-11 month. Call us when your EAD expiries.” I will be taking Unpaid Leave at work, cause company doesn’t want to do creative solution. (aka unpaid internship and then bonus)
What a disgrace – it is a real shame that it should take 9+ months to renew an EAD that you already have. Part of the issue is a change made by the Trump Administration in August or September 2020. Why the Biden Administration has not reversed that change, I have no idea. Anyway, one point: There are no real rules about expediting a case, so even if you do not have a good reason, you can try. In your case, it sounds like you do have a good reason – you have been waiting for 7 years, with all the attendant mental health effects and economic effects the long wait takes. I wrote more about expediting on March 30, 2017 – maybe that post would help. Take care, Jason
@Irina
Not sure if you were asking me. Applied for renewal with pending asylum in the beginning of Feb’21. They issued a receipt in the mid of March. EAD expired in the mid of June. First expedite request from august was denied (but they didn’t notify me until I called them). Submitted another request 2 weeks ago. I wish I knew earlier, that it takes 9-10 months to renew EAD now and nothing would improve in such long period of time.
Hey Irina,
Things have being falling apart in this country. It almost took me one year to have mine renewed. I only got it in April of this year and my wife has been waiting for almost 6 months. Lucky are those who have already been granted asylum
Hello Jason , I was wondering did you ever send Ms Ur Jaddou the suggestion on automatically issuing green cards for asylees since they have already been interviewed ? And if so , I wonder if she ever received that/ read that . Many people advocate for also backdating the date of residence given all the many unnecessary years of delay . Thank you .
I posted it here and it was picked up by some others and sent to people at USCIS. Whether she ever saw it directly, I do not know. I suppose it is possible that she saw it. In any event, she hasn’t yet reached out to me to discuss, but I am standing by…
¡¡ ATTENTION ASYLEES !! Please read : Only hours away from a new week , a new week where USCIS continues to abuse its powers and NOT adjudicate finally Asylum based GC applications. They have cashed the checks and given you a receipt , but their intentions are clear. To keep you in a backlog for many many years to come. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH . We CANNOT normalize a 45 month or even more delay on processing , what kind of DYSTOPIAN world are we normalizing ? Why DO WE accept this ? We are NOT asking for a specific DECISION , people just want a resolution to their cases so that they can MOVE ON with their lives , here or elsewhere. This agency has inflicted TOO MUCH pain and ABUSE since they were founded. It seems like the only way for them to actually work is through Lawsuits. This is NOT OKAY. They Need to STOP.
Those of you who are stuck at the National Benefits Center or Texas Service Center ; you NEED to speak
UP and raise awareness. SIGN the petition that has been posted multiple times here . Tell your senators what is happening , your representatives , spread the word everywhere , write a letter to president Biden in Washington. There is power in numbers , and change can happen if you take ACTION. If you are at the NBC / MSC you qualify TODAY for an ombudsman service request where you can expose the abuse ! Here is the link . Fill out TODAY : https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cis-ombudsman/forms/7001
We need to hold this agency accountable . You COMPLY , you follow the LAW , you put your entire life on a form , you PAY , you do everything PERFECTLY according to their demands , and it still is not enough ? For simple DECENCY AND RESPECT for our time and dignity as human beings ? so much for “Timely and Fair process” ENOUGH WITH THE LIES AND ABUSE . Take Action TODAY.
I mean…it has already appeared for several times…
Hello Jason,
The Where-To File instructions is a little bit confusing for me, an asylee living in the state of Utah and wants to file his I-485. Could you please help me with this info? Thanks so much for your help!
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/direct-filing-addresses-for-form-i-485-application-to-register-permanent-residence-or-adjust-status
Why do you live in Utah…
@Asylum Seeker: None of your business…
I am just very curious…
Keep your curiosity to yourself and stop pestering other people.
I do not know the specifics of your case, and so I really cannot provide more advice, except to look at your type of case and your location, and you should find where to file on that website, sorry. Take care, Jason
U.S. citizens’ attitude towards asylum seekers:
I was just checking out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0uG8kGOUPk
The comment section is pretty negative towards asylum seekers, so is the up/down vote ratio…
Please…may I ask…is this an accurate reflection of the American public’s attitudes towards asylum seekers ? It seems to me pretty lopsided…largely pro-Trump and anti-asylum… Should I be worried ? What should I make of this largely negative comment section ? If this is true reflection…I will be very concerned…
@Asylum seeker? Let’s start with your opinion about it first; what do you think about this reflection? The video you have shared shows the deportation of over 10 thousand undocumented asylum seekers came from the Southern border. Do you think this is really expected to happen to all asylum seekers? Let’s say this is a true reflection, what would be your advice to the specific asylum seekers using this website? To which extent are you supporting this mass deportation?
I don’t have an opinion yet…
But I am interested in how well it reflects reality.
You mean you are happy with it or you are interested in knowing how it reflects reality?
The 2nd one.
I am not happy with it.
Hi Jason, Hope all is well!
I have been reading that people were speaking about “National Benefit Center has been holding the cases instead of sending them Nebraska and Texas” ? I have applied I-485 on April 14th and my old biometric is taken May 5th. It has been 6 months my case still in National Benefit Center. Should I be worried about what people say and they referred to speak with Congress person? I applied for I-589 2015, got my interview 2020 February. Now waiting for I-485 without knowing there is going to be backlog again? Can you please advice me what would I do and how i can contact my congressman ?
Thank you for this beautiful blog and all your answers.
God Bless you
Hi LEILA,
Please join our chat & petition https://t.me/joinchat/k8Ecc-pxXdE3MTkx
We are a group like you … trying to make air voices heard #A05GreenCardBacklog
Hi JASON,
Thank you for all you do for us, the Asylum Seekers and the Asylees. Please share our Tweets and Petition – we need your support and help! We are deeply desperate after a very painful journey waiting for years to become Asylees and now after waiting over a year to apply for Green Card – we are forgotten again and in limbo for years to come. Please, please help us! #A05GreenCardBacklog
I am not really a social media person, but if you Tweet it at me, I will try to re-Tweet it (there is a first time for everything). Take care, Jason
Thank you so much, Jason! I just Twitted the petition on you page. We appreciate all your help!
I believe it has been successfully re-Tweeted. Good luck with the petition. Take care, Jason
Dear @LEILA , unfortunately it is true . USCIS is holding hostage Asylum based GC applications at both the National Benefits Center and Texas Service Center. They are making it clear that they DO NOT welcome asylees since they do not want them to integrate into American society . They have made it clear that they want to keep them all in “Limbo” for many many years. Yes, there are multiple reports of people still waiting for final adjudication of their #A05GCapplications. It is DISGUSTING , it is INHUMANE , it is SICKENING. But many more people are speaking up TODAY , and exposing the abuse. Here’s where you can start : 1) You qualify for an ombudsman service because NBC has no posted times and they are lying about the transfer process . Go NOW : https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cis-ombudsman/forms/7001
Fill out the form and demand answers , ask why they are doing this and where they plan to send your file for decision . ENOUGH IS ENOUGH … people are already seeing what they are doing , and it is INTENTIONAL .
2) Write to your senator TODAY and expose this situation , tell them how the USCIS is abusing the system and marginalizing trauma filled asylees . We have to LET IT BE KNOWN , all across that they are inflicting pain with these “Limbos” , you are due a – TIMELY AND FAIR PROCESS- There is nothing FAIR about waiting 45 months ! It is OUTRAGEOUS
3) GO NOW and SIGN the petition and share it with EVERYONE ! We need the world to know what is happening the U.S and how the government is abusing the humanitarian code #A05GreenCardBacklog . Start NOW >>>>>>>>
https://www.change.org/p/the-white-house-uscis-stop-ignoring-and-marginalizing-a5-category?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_30887527_en-US%3A7&recruiter=298928849&recruited_by_id=b0aca120-fbea-11e4-aeab-550c36fa6fc9&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=petition_dashboard
I do not know that the NBC is deliberately holding cases, but some people seem to think so (they may be right, but I have not heard it from any of my sources). Anyway, there are links under Resources called Senate and House of Representatives – you can find your Congress people there. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, As you said, I have contacted with my congressperson today. His office wanted me to submit some paperworks including my Alien and case number and the letter that explains about the situation.
The answer was;
“ I will submit a congressional inquiry to USCIS on your behalf. Please allow 30 days for a reply as immigration is currently backlogged due to the pandemic. I will do my best to get you an answer as soon as possible.”
My question is
What exactly they would do in 30 days on my behalf ? Do u think it would help me to expedite my case or they would find out where is my case? (Just a quick reminder; I am an asylee and have submitted I-485 form in National Benefit Center since 6 months ago)
I just don’t know how it works in general and what is the process ? Any answers would be appreciated.
Thank you
God bless you
As far as I know, they have a channel to submit inquiries to USCIS. Whether this will help, or whether USCIS will even respond, I do not know. But that is the purpose of inquiry and so hopefully USCIS will do its job. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I hope this finds you well.
Quick question: Can an approved asylee travel with just the Refugge Travel Document and Drivers License without an EAD? Last time I traveled had to show my EAD but my EAD expired in March, not sure if drivers license would work and it expires in 2028. Thanks!
If I may ask. Was that an international travel(when you used EAD) (Did you need to get the tax certificate. If yes. How did you get it. If you don’t mind sharing.
Thanks
You should be able to travel domestically and internationally with the RTD. The EAD should not be needed for either type of travel. Maybe have with you other evidence of your asylum approval, just in case they need it (but they should not). Take care, Jason
Hi jason,
I have an asylum based green card/RTD and i have 2 questions.
1. how to get income tax certificate ( pert RTD its required prior to departure).
2. are asylum based green card holders eligible for global entry ( and if so. what to expect in the interview).
Thanks,
As a fellow GC-holder with Global Entry, I can answer your third question. During 2020, I had to travel to visit my dying grandmom in COP, because RTD did not come on time, I renewed my passport. On my flight back, I was interviewed for Global Entry, I was asked what I did for a living, how long I’ve lived at my address etc. and the officer told my Global Entry would be linked to passport. I told him this is a temporary measure, because I intend to use RTD going forward, he said, you can use RTD to travel abaroad, and COP passport to enter the US because that is what we have linked to your Global Entry profile. I’ve done that without problem 5 or 6 times since then.
Thanks
1 – I do not know why you need a tax certificate. If you have a valid RTD, you can use that for travel and re-entry. 2 – I do not know for sure, but based on the other comment, it sounds like you can do it. Take care, Jason
Thanks
Hello Jason,
Is that okay to fill in I-485 typed and using handwriting in some of the fields? When I download the form and start filling it, I cannot put N/A or numbers in some fields, as the field accepts only letters or numbers. Am I good to, for example, put N/A handwritten in some fields while the rest of the form has been completed by type?
That is fine – as long as you are sending in the paper copy, you can fill some or all by hand, but do write neatly. Take care, Jason
Hey all I just wanted to share that I today contacted USCIS via Emma chat about my case being at the National Benefits center and they said that too many inquiries would hurt my case . .. is this true ? Eventually no answer they give to me . I’m lost
Disgusting animals !! Lord my blood boils!!! But they will pay in hell for all eternity … I’m sorry I take it back … animals too kind of a phrase … BEASTS… We have to show the world what these rats are doing … inhumane
I think you’re being a bit harsh but I can feel your pain , as I’m still waiting myself
I agree 100 percent. I have been waiting for my interview for the seventh year.
I have not heard that before, but I guess it would not surprise me that USCIS would punish people for asking USCIS to do its job. Hopefully, that is not the case. Take care, Jason
¡¡ATTENTION ASYLEES!!: We need your help . We need to make our voices heard as loud and as clear as we can . We are SICK and TIRED of being marginalized.We are SICK and TIRED of being told to wait when we have been vetted through and through . LET IT BE KNOWN ALL ACROSS THE PLATFORMS : go NOW on Twitter and flood USCIS’s and Director Ur Jaddou accounts with hashtags : #A05GreenCardBacklog #StopHoldingHostageA05Applications. Spread the word on Reddit / USCIS , on Twitter on Facebook , to your senators , to the Ombudsman , to the radio stations if you can … more people are speaking up TODAY and we are gathering signatures everyday , making more noise , and standing UP for decency and respect . ENOUGH IS ENOUGH , too much abuse . >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
https://www.change.org/p/the-white-house-uscis-stop-ignoring-and-marginalizing-a5-category?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_30887527_en-US%3A7&recruiter=298928849&recruited_by_id=b0aca120-fbea-11e4-aeab-550c36fa6fc9&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=petition_dashboard
Dear Asylees please get on Twitter and share our petition.
Carla Cruz: please join our chat https://t.me/joinchat/k8Ecc-pxXdE3MTkx
Dear @USCISDirector We need your attention!! A05 category Granted asylum. We’re waiting for out Green Cards for years!! Please stop discriminating A05 category! Please HEAR US!!! #A05GreenCardBacklog
I tried twice but it says invalid address , I will attempt from a different device. KEEP UP THE GREAT EFFORTS!
https://t.me/joinchat/k8Ecc-pxXdE3MTkx
Sorry, here it is again. Find me on Twitter @name78_suname
Hello Mr. Jason,
My spouse is the main applicant and I’m a derivative on our asylum application. The asylum office referred our case to the immigration court for MCH. Now my lawyer said that as a derivative I have to file an individual asylum application (I-589) to the court in the master hearing. I’m not aware of it. Is this is a fact that all derivatives must establish their own eligibility for relief and have their own, independent application on file with the immigration court? My spouse’s case is very strong, but mine is not that strong. I’m in a real crisis, I don’t know what should I do at this point. Please help me with your advice as always you do for the asylum community. I’m seeking help from anyone experiencing a similar problem as a derivative. Thank you for your great help.
There is no harm in filing your own I-589 – you can remain a derivative of your spouse. It is not a bad practice to have each person file their own I-589. In the event that your spouse gets some lesser form of relief other than asylum (such as protection under the Torture Convention), you would generally need to have your own I-589 filed. So maybe your lawyer is being cautious. I would ask for an explanation, so you feel comfortable with what the lawyer is doing, but this seems reasonable to me. Take care, Jason
Hello Mr. Jason,
Thank you so much for your wise advice. Our master calendar hearing is on November 10, 2021. My question is when and where to submit individual
(derivate) I-589 applications. Is there any time limit or deadline to submit the application? Is this application can be submitted on the hearing day? Please advise. I’m so grateful for your kind help. Thanks again.
If they are already derivatives on your case, it should make no difference when you submit their forms. It may be easy to do it at the MCH, but some judges are not accepting filings in person (due to Covid), so it depends on the judge. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason!
I hope you are doing fine! I am here seeking your kind advice! Do you have any infomation about the asylum backlog in Newark asylum office? I applied for asylum on January 2017 and people are telling me I should expect to be called for interview between 2023-2024.Do you think it may take that long? I know this is hard to say but from you experience could you please tell me approximaly in which time range I should expect to be called for interview?
Best regards,
I have been waiting for an interview since August 2015
Hi Alex! Thanks for sharing your timeline. Which office is that? Newark?
No one knows the time frame, not even the asylum office, so the 2023-2024 time frame is a guess and has no meaning. Under the LIFO system, they interview new cases first, and old cases (like yours from 2017) are only interviewed if they have extra capacity, which usually they do not. They are trying to hire more officers and that may help, and they could change their priorities, which might also help – we were doing some lobbying on that point. But no one can say when your interview will be. You can try to expedite your case and/or put your case on the short list, which can result in a faster interview (not all offices have short lists, but Newark does). I wrote about those things on March 30, 2017 – maybe that post would help. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason! That is very helpful!. If I may, when is the latest asylum application time from your clients that were able to get interview in Newark office with and without expedition.
Best regards,
Abrar
I think I’ve had some clients in the last year or so who have had interviews in Newark based on LIFO, but honestly, it is difficult to remember and I am not certain. Take care, Jason
U.S. citizens’ attitude towards asylum seekers:
I was just checking out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0uG8kGOUPk
The comment section is pretty negative towards asylum seekers, so is the up/down vote ratio…
Please…may I ask…is this an accurate reflection of the American public’s attitudes towards asylum seekers ? It seems to me pretty lopsided…largely pro-Trump and anti-asylum… Should I be worried ? What should I make of this largely negative comment section ? If this is true reflection…I will be very concerned…
I do not think comments sections are particularly representative of anything. In general, polling has showed that people who do not like asylum seekers really do not like them – and so they are more likely to be vocal. Those with a more positive attitude tend not to have such strong feelings, and so are probably less likely to be vocal (or post comments). Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason for weighing in 🙂
It’s particularly concerning that these people, not only vocal, some of them are very powerful…
Thank you so much Jason!!! God bless you!!!
JASMIN !!!! BE CAREFUL WITH ICE –
USA citizens have been deported!!!!!! Get a lawyer ASAP! Know your rights, Google everything!
https://www.rstreet.org/2020/01/30/the-deportation-of-us-citizens-is-an-affront-to-the-constitution/
This makes me concerned…
You mean all asylum seekers are expected to face the same situation and they must be worry about it? Is that considered a strong message for them?
DANA, I answered to JASMIN – DACA recipient. Did not refer to Asyless or Asylum seekers. However to know what’s happening with ICE we all should be aware, always and know our rights!
@Pika, I believe Dana was responding to asylum seeker.
Ofcourse, you are right. Except you were born in this country, deportation is always a possibility.
…. And I think the collective bitter feeling towards this agency is not much about wanting acceptance or an automatic approval. What many want is just a reasonably fast decision or their applications weather it is a yes or no , so that they can move on with their lives here or somewhere else in a different place… I think it is profoundly devastating and dysfunctional they way they simply operate , and I believe it even defies the purpose of national security , keeping noncitizens up in the air for a very long time … even those who may actually pose a threat …
Exactly right – if a person is a threat to national security, and if we take 6 years to do the background check, that seems pretty useless (unless he is a very very slow moving threat to national security). Take care, Jason
Hi,
I am DACA recipient and working on the medical field. ICE showed up at my work place and talked to my boss questioning my legal status. My boss showed her my DACA status and then they said they will come in tomorrow again and interview me. Does anybody know what is this about? I have not committed any crime and I have always kept DACA up to date. Should I talk to them tomorrow? I know I have right to remain silent but I am very eager to find out what is going on.
Thank you
It’s probably somebody at your work tip ICE about you…
Does that mean asylum seekers are always watched over by different kinds of spies, including their employers, and told on? Is it like a warning sign that they should always be careful of ICE and never feel comfortable while living in U.S.?
That is not the case, but there have been instances of non-citizens being reported to ICE by people who simply do not like them. It illustrates how vulnerable many people are. Not that people should live in fear, but it is just another reason that people should not be left forever in limbo. We know – for example – that people without status are much less likely to report crimes. This makes everyone more vulnerable since criminals have an easier time getting away with their crimes. In short, this is yet another reason we need to make some major changes to the immigration system. Or at least that is what would happen if our government was even remotely functional. Take care, Jason
There are many instances where a person’s immigration status is used to hurt immigrants
Please keep us updated !
@Jasmin… i know you think you have nothing to worry but… these days just be careful please. Talk to a lawyer ASAP or do some more research. Try to call some immigration lawyer if you have time in the AM before you ICE shows up. I remember reading an article about a Mexican – American teenager(born in USA) citizen that was approached by ICE and put on the bus to Mexico because he didn’t have any docs on his person. It’s not a joke with them. https://immigrationimpact.com/2021/07/30/ice-deport-us-citizens/#.YV-ao8D3aEc
That is unusual, especially given the supposed priorities of ICE (to go after criminals and leave other people alone). You might talk to a lawyer beforehand, or at least make sure your family or a friend has copies of all your documents, in case there is an issue or you are detained. But if you do not have a criminal record, hopefully it will not be a anything more than an interview. It may also concern someone else who you know. Ideally, you would have a lawyer present with you, but that is often difficult on short notice. Also, I did a post about ICE on October 7, 2020 – that may be helpful for you, but it was written in the context of the Trump Administration when ICE’s priorities for enforcement were different. Take care, Jason
Jason,
Thank you! It was nothing. They just wanted me to confirm some information for my friend.
Appreciate all of your support.
Jasmin, thanks for the update. They wanted you to confirm information for your friend? I am assuming the friend gave permission to ICE? This whole story seems bizarre.
Do you mind me asking what your friend’s situation is ? I will not be comfortable with ICE nosing around about me…that’s why I rarely give information to anyone I don’t trust…
Do you think ICE always noses around immigrants?
I do…
(I am going to change my name from Dana to Dan, since there is another one posting his/her comments under the name “Dana”.
Okay….
@Asylum Seeker, how asylum seekers could be avoided from ICE? What would the best solution in your opinion? If there is no any solution, what do you think they finally need to do?
I mean…there probably isn’t an effective way…just be careful…
That is a relief, but also weird – why can’t they just call or send an email? Take care, Jason
Hi,
we are syrian family . we had individual hearing today the judge granted the asylum case but the DHS lawyer said he wnts to appeal.
what should we do now please and what is the percentage for him to actually appeal please
I am so worried
It is pretty common for DHS to “reserve” appeal and then to not appeal. They have 30 days to file the appeal, and so if nothing happens in that time, the grant of asylum will be final. Hopefully, that is what happens. It seems completely ridiculous for them to appeal an asylum grant from Syria, so hopefully they will not. Anyway, you should know for sure in about 30 days. Take care, Jason
This thing is getting out of hand , another day that USCIS is sitting on their butts and abusing their power . We are going nowhere . If anyone wants to gather peacefully outside of the National Benefits Center in Missouri and plan a trip this would be more productive. Sick and tired of being treated like dogs
¡¡ATTENTION ASYLEES!! We now have over 100 signatures for our petition , we have to keep gathering signatures and make all of those marginalized voices heard !! HERE is the direct Link for Ombudsman inquiry ! If you are at NBC stuck for months you qualify NOW for a service request because there are NO posted times for such place. Go now and expose the abuse that is happening now regarding Asylum based GCs . I suggest you be very specific and ask why they are doing this , and demand THE TRUTH. It is time for ACCOUNTABILITY >>>>>>
https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cis-ombudsman/forms/7001
CARLA CRUZ,
Please join our chat https://t.me/joinchat/k8Ecc-pxXdE3MTkx
Hello everybody this is to inform that I tried to share valuable information here TODAY , but the post got taken down twice . It seems you cannot trust anything or anyone as we are being censored here as well . Please don’t forget to sign the petition today and contact your senators and expose the abuse. More to come …
Hi Carla Cruz,
There is a group of ppl with pending asylum based green cards and there is also a petition going around. See the link on my comment on previous post.
Carla, I found you petition and link on the previous post. We need to get in touch, there is another petition like this one with 98 signatures. We needs to combine forces.
The post was not censored. Posts with too many links require the administrator to approve them before they are allowed to go live. Take care, Jason
¡¡ATTENTION ASYLEES!! Please read : As many of you are aware and as many of you share your stories of having your application being held hostage at the National Benefits Center and TSC , you CANNOT stay silent . Do you want to take a peak at the Infamous National Benefits Center ? Where your applications are being held, well here it is : https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/video-and-photo-gallery > Scroll to Office and Agency videos and open the NBC video.It is a NIGHTMARE. When you see that , it is nothing but a warehouse where you can see how easily these individuals can create backlogs and even lose applications. This is unbelievable and archaic. Additionally , you can see how easily it is for them to just dump you in a box or a hall . Just look with your own eyes. This agency from hell is still
Stuck in the 20th century. Moreover , Ur Jaddou New Director promised to improve wait times . ENOUGH IS ENOUGH . Any application pending over a year is unacceptable. Contact today your ombudsman at : https://www.dhs.gov/topic/cis-ombudsman And expose the intentionally created backlog for last fiscal year batch of A05 AOS at MSC/NBC and TSC , I am not lying to you when I say that many individuals after august are already getting transferred from the NBC to Nebraska . But prior to this they are holding them hostage. You also need to write TODAY to your senators and representatives and make them aware of how USCIS abuses asylees and leaves them in limbo to generate more income from work permit renewals as they sit on this AOS category. Too much abuse , but many are already standing up for themselves TODAY and not keeping their mouths shut “JUST WAITING” like USCIS replies to them . SPEAK UP NOW , TAKE ACTION >>>>>
https://www.change.org/p/the-white-house-uscis-stop-ignoring-and-marginalizing-a5-category?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_30887527_en-US%3A7&recruiter=298928849&recruited_by_id=b0aca120-fbea-11e4-aeab-550c36fa6fc9&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=petition_dashboard
Woah – I never saw that video before. It reminds me of the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. I guess it is about what we should expect, but to see it is something else. Anyway, keep up the good work with your efforts in this regard. Take care, Jason
I am simply in shock …. No comment
Hi Jason,
Are there any news and movement regarding the Asylum Based Green Cards backlog? (TSC) Texas Service Center just updated the I-485 processing times up to 43.5 months, and in fortunately it seems that it is only increasing month after month. There is a petioles on this regard: https://chng.it/gvYYyrBL9K
We need to be heard! We need help!
Thanks Jason, as always, for your time.
I have not heard any news, and I think USCIS was dealt a severe blow in the summer of 2020, from which they have still not recovered. The USCIS Director is still very new, and so we need to give her a chance to make changes. I remain hopeful that we will see some improvement, but that cannot come soon enough, as the situation is a real disaster. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Interesting article as always. This just shows how deep the “rabbit hole” goes. Trump might be gone but his policies and vitriol still echoes with his sympathizers who hold critical positions. That’s what you get from 4 years of appointing judges, heads of departments and critical intelligence.
The key words are, transparency and accountability, instead of sole discretion. I have always been critical of the level of discretionary actions held by immigration adjudicators simply because you cannot mandate someone’s heart. The system should be fair and equitable.
A recent poll shows that 55% of Americans believe the Biden administration is not competent in running the government-Business Insider. The simple fact is, this administration has troubles understanding its own base while the Trump administration were sending them “raw meat” on a daily basis of covert xenophobia.
They really have to change that attitude of keeping things stagnant and embrace fighting for the promises they made. I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that processing times went up across the board under the Biden administration. Stop the scapegoat and blaming the Trump administration. You are the guys in charge now.
That’s some good statistics you got there…
Do you think Mr. Biden is in trouble for 2024 ?
I think as it stands today, Trump would still lose. Trump is still more disliked. I am not sure if the outcome will be the same against another Republicans
Okay, thanks. Like I said, I favor status quo. I dislike any change.
I think Trump is to blame for a lot of bad stuff, but the real problems of asylum – transparency and accountability, as you say, and I would add the backlog – pre-date Trump and seems consistent with all the Administrations that I have seen. I do think the system could be greatly improved through legislation and marginally improved through rule-making, but so far, in many (but not all) ways, things seem worse now than ever. Take care, Jason
May I ask a question ?
So…I feel that…I frequently hear examples that … a middle eastern, or a hispanic asylum seeker is referred to immigration court, fighting deportation…But…
When I check the asylum statistics by outcome. https://trac.syr.edu/immigration/reports/630/
Several countries stand out…It seems that several certain nations from one single continent has disproportionally high approval rate… I don’t prefer this outcome. I wish the grant rate could be more uniform across the globe…
Is the immigration agency favoring specific ethnic/national origin over the others ?
You should know that the answer is “No”, otherwise you need to be more educated in this topic.
Country conditions play a significant role, and so where country conditions are worse, asylum seekers are more likely to be approved. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason for weighing 🙂
Hmm….
I am more concerned that one day he will be back 🙁 …
Do you want to tell asylum seekers that Trump will be certainly back someday and he will deport all of them?
No. The opinion that “I am more concerned that one day he will be back” is my authentic opinion…
Do you want to make asylum seekers worry and discouraged with sharing this authentic opinion? Are you expressing kind of your happiness with that? Do you finally like this happen?
Not really. I like some aspects of Mr. Trump, but he has some aspects that deeply concern me and could hamper my agenda.
Do you mean it would hamper your agenda, if you are an asylum seeker, or all other asylum seekers’?
I have my own agenda.
@Asylum Seeker??
Don’t sound and think like me,Dana 🤣
Asylum Seeker, From your writings I thought you have missed Mr. Trump too much, how could you say you missed him. Com’n man/woman😎
I didn’t